Opinions sought on The Halls

Monday, 27th October 2008

Opinions are being sought from the local community about The Halls - St Andrew's and Blackfriars'. Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART) are running a survey to hear how people use the buildings and what improvements they would like to see.

The results will feed into ambitious plans that are being developed to transform the buildings into a regionally important cultural and conference venue and an accessible community facility for the city and beyond. The finished complex will also act as a hub for a range of nearby cultural facilities and the story of these iconic buildings will be told to new audiences and visitors.

Michael Loveday, Chief Executive of Norwich HEART said: "This is an incredibly exciting project for Norwich and the wider region, which will safeguard the future of these important buildings and have a massive positive impact on the local economy. The buildings have played a central role in city life for centuries and we are really keen to hear local people's thoughts about them."

The survey will run until 12 December 2008 and can be picked up from The Halls, and public libraries across Norfolk. It can also be viewed at www.heritagecity.org/thehalls and be sent out by HEART (call 01603 305575). An information leaflet about the project has also been produced and is available in the same places.

Norwich City Council, which owns the buildings, is working in partnership with HEART who are leading on this important project.

Alan Waters, Norwich City Council executive member for corporate resources and governance, said: "The Halls have been Norwich's community meeting place since the sixteenth century. The results of this survey will play an important part in showing us who is using the buildings, who is not, and how we can maintain their prominence in the city's life and history."

Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART) is a private, charitable trust set up to act as an umbrella organisation for all of the heritage on offer in Norwich and to be a best practice exemplar internationally for heritage as a social and economic regeneration vehicle.